The state government wants Victorians to be more aware of the risks of fire and the importance of planning and preparing for the fire season, as the state heads towards a long, hot and dry season.
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Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville joined survivors of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires to launch a new approach to fire preparedness - one of the largest fire campaigns in the state's history.
The Premier and Ms Neville also acknowledged the devastating fires currently burning throughout New South Wales and Queensland and expressed their deepest sympathy to the affected communities.
Mr Andrews said Victorian personnel, including some from central and northern Victoria, had been deployed to fight fires in New South Wales, with many more on standby - and Victoria remained ready to further assist where possible.
Mr Andrews said most people think they know fire and that they're prepared, but Victorians cannot afford to be complacent, and that planning and preparing can be the difference between life and death.
"Victoria is one of the most fire-prone places on earth, and many people will be shocked by what they learn about fire in this campaign. But the truth is, we need people to sit up and take notice."
Ms Neville said emergency service agencies had been preparing and are ready for a long, hot and dry fire season, with a record fleet of 50 aircraft and thousands of volunteers and career firefighters on standby to respond to emergencies that might arise.
"Our firefighters can't do this alone. Every single one of us has a responsibility to plan and prepare for fire."
Radiant heat from a bushfire can kill you from 300 metres away, and a single ember can start a new fire from 40 kilometres away.
These facts will be combined with confronting imagery in a new campaign to ensure Victorians are prepared this bushfire season, after research found many people were becoming complacent about their personal bushfire risk.
The state government said it was delivering the resources and support needed to protect the community this fire season, with all available emergency management staff and agencies ready to respond to incidents across the state.
This includes thousands of volunteer and career firefighters from across all agencies, as well as a record fleet of 50 aircraft, which will hit the skies to help fight fires and keep communities throughout Victoria safe.
Victorians and communities need to start preparing themselves for the fire season - visit www.vic.gov.au/knowfire to plan and prepare.
People should also download the VicEmergency app now in order to receive emergency information and warnings.
Peter Kennedy
Peter has worked in a variety of senior leadership roles within the local media industry across more than three decades, and enjoys being part of a team committed to keeping Bendigo up to date with the latest news and sport.
Peter has worked in a variety of senior leadership roles within the local media industry across more than three decades, and enjoys being part of a team committed to keeping Bendigo up to date with the latest news and sport.
